Deep Dive
What were the key details about Sharron Prior's life before her murder?
Sharron Prior was a 16-year-old girl living in Montreal, Canada, born on February 9, 1959. She was kind, warm-hearted, and responsible, with a passion for animals and dreams of becoming a veterinarian. She was involved in the local Boys and Girls Club, where she played hockey and other sports. Sharron was described as sweet and trustworthy, with long blonde hair and blue eyes.
What happened on the day Sharron Prior disappeared?
On March 29, 1975, Sharron spent the morning with her family preparing for Easter. She painted eggs with her mother and later went to the Boys and Girls Club to pick up a jacket she had earned by selling raffle tickets. After returning home, she left around 7:15 PM to meet her boyfriend and friends at Marina's Pizzeria, five blocks away. She was last seen crossing the street alone and never returned home.
How was Sharron Prior's body discovered, and what evidence was found at the scene?
Sharron's body was found three days later in a nearby beekeeper's field. She was lying in the snow wearing the same clothes she had on the night she disappeared, but her jeans and underwear were found six feet away, with the underwear hanging from a tree. Evidence included tire tracks, a size 8.5 boot print, a men's shirt likely used to bind her, and a partially chewed tape found in her hair. The scene suggested she had been sexually assaulted and carried to the field.
What were the autopsy findings in Sharron Prior's case?
The autopsy revealed Sharron had been sexually assaulted, beaten, and suffocated. She had bruises all over her body, two jaw fractures, a broken nose, a hole in her cheek, and blood in her lungs. She was still alive when dumped in the field, clutching tree branches. The killer likely used the men's shirt found at the scene to suffocate her.
How was DNA technology used to solve Sharron Prior's murder decades later?
In 2022, advancements in DNA testing allowed investigators to generate a profile from evidence collected in 1975. They identified a partial match to the Romine family and traced it to Franklin Maywood Romine, who had died in 1982. After exhuming his body, DNA from his bones was a perfect match to the crime scene evidence, confirming him as Sharron's killer.
Who was Franklin Maywood Romine, and what was his criminal history?
Franklin Maywood Romine was a serial sexual predator with a history of assaulting young women. Born in West Virginia, he spent time in Canada and the U.S., escaping prison multiple times. He was convicted of raping a waitress in 1976 but had his sentence overturned. He died in 1982 under mysterious circumstances. DNA evidence later linked him to Sharron Prior's murder.
What was the significance of the tire tracks found at the crime scene?
The tire tracks found in the snow matched at least 37 different car models, including a Jeep Wrangler. While they provided insight into how Sharron's body was transported, they were not immediately useful in identifying the killer. Later, it was discovered that Franklin Romine owned a Jeep Wrangler, aligning with the tire evidence.
How did Sharron Prior's family react to the identification of her killer?
Sharron's family, particularly her 85-year-old mother, felt a mix of closure and frustration. While they were relieved to finally know who killed Sharron, they were disappointed that Franklin Romine had already died and could not face justice. The case had haunted the family for over four decades.
- Sharon left home to meet her boyfriend and friends at a pizzeria.
- She was wearing a brown suede jacket, sweater, shoes, and socks.
- She was last seen crossing the street around 7:15 pm.
- Her belongings were left at home, indicating no intention of running away.